Robert Kraft reveals he spoke to Patriots regarding national anthem protests

FOXBORO -- Speaking to BBC for an interview that centered around Colin Kaepernick, Robert Kraft explained his role when it came to the Patriots' national anthem protests.

“The greatest enemy in sport is division from within," Kraft said, via ESPN's Mike Reiss. "I personally feel it’s very important to respect our flag and our anthem. But I also respect the right of people in this country to make statements or protests, peacefully, in a way that’s appropriate to them. I think there were some comments made about what our young men were doing that were a little inflammatory and inappropriate, and I thought I had to speak out.

"I spoke to the team and I told them that they were free to do what they thought was correct as long; I try to bring unity and bring things together, and part of that is respecting how other people think. Even if it’s genuine, even if it’s different than the way I speak; the way you build team and you build success is to let people be themselves. I have never heard anyone talk about blocking [Kaepernick] or excluding him.”

Kraft released a statement where he said he was "deeply disappointed" with Donald Trump's comments a few weeks back about NFL players choosing not to stand for the anthem.

Since Week 3 when 16 Patriots players took a knee, the last two games the team has stood all in a line with one hand over their hearts and the other hand on their teammates shoulder.

As for Kaepernick, Kraft said it is possible he finds himself on a NFL team at some point.